Abstract: An apparatus for facilitating the use of tools on underground pipeline systems including a socket having a polygonal open end, a pliable socket insert having a polygonal outer circumference corresponding to the polygonal socket opening adapted to fit snugly into the polygonal opening and flush with the open end of the socket and a locking device by which the socket insert is maintained within the socket during use. The socket insert is provided with a plurality of pliant inwardly extending projections which deform to the size and geometry of the tool to be employed when the socket is pressed onto the tool.

Abstract: An oil filter canister removal tool comprising a cup-shaped plastic body long enough to receive the filter therein and of sufficient diameter as to provide radial clearance between the filter canister and the top rim of the body. A snug fit can be provided by integral flutes or bonded in strips of elastomeric material. In operation the tool is slipped over a canister after the canister has been loosened relative to the engine block. The tool is manually rotated until the canister is free of the engine. The tool can be cleaned up and reused after disposal of the oil filter canister. The tool may also be thrown away with the used filter.

Abstract: A wrench (1) is disclosed having a handle (3) mounted pivotally with a head portion (2) for engaging a drive socket to tighten or slacken a fastener such as a nut, bolt or screw, and a resilient split ring (5) as operative portion intermediate the handle (3) and head portion (2). The head portion (2) has an aperture into which the split ring (5) is sprung to define a radial gap in the split ring (5) and a camming arm (33, 34) extending radially outwardly from each end of the split ring (5) respectively. The split ring (5) also has stops (37, 38) engaging the head portion under the natural resilience in the split ring (5) to prevent undue rotation of the ring in the head portion.

Abstract: An opener to assist in the opening of a threaded lid from a threaded jar. The opener is a body at least partially to embrace the peripheral wall of a lid. Preferably it allows for an expansion to facilitate application, and a shoulder to be abutted by a thumb or finger to add torque to the removal efforts.

Abstract: A strap wrench which includes a plurality of gripping pads located on the strap that facilitates tight engagement of the cylindrical object that is used to be located thereabout for the purpose of gripping and turning of the cylindrical object. The strap wrench also includes a brake that provides for securely locking of the position of the strap when it is in its tightly mounted position preventing any loosening movement of the strap. The brake includes a ratcheting mechanism that permits movement of the handle in only one position when the brake is in the locked position. The strap may include a joint assembly which will permit the strap to be separated to be located in conjunction with a cylindrical object and then rejoined.

Abstract: A light bulb catch is disclosed that comprises a catcher and an attachment mechanism. The catcher may be rotatably or slideably connected to a pole through a rotatable connection and connector. A distal end of the catcher may also be biased away from a proximal end of the catcher or the catcher may be deformable, in order to increase maneuverability and allow the catcher to be moveable between an extended and retracted position. A work product end of the pole, which is contained in the catcher and connects to the attachment mechanism, may telescope and may also be biased towards a forward position, moveable to a rearward position, allowing the user to apply pressure to the light bulb changing device without damaging the bulb. The catch may have many purposes besides simply changing light bulbs as will be realized by those in the art.

Abstract: A hand tool is provided with a flexible arm containing a flexible gripping strap. The strap forms an adjustable closed loop positioned at one end, and extends through the arm at the other end. The loop is used for securing to a nut, bolt, or similar part that is positioned in a difficult to reach place. The flexible arm may be bent and formed to hold a specific shape, thus allowing it to fit into areas where most common hand tools cannot. Tension on the loop is increased by pulling the rubber strap. A lock secures the strap to retain the tension.

Abstract: There is disclosed a fold-away wrench having a wrench head (9) pivotally mounted on a handle (2). The wrench head (4) is an open flexible ring socket (3a) locatable over a fastener such as a nut, bolt or screw to move it. Pins (17) are provided for engagement with the wrench head (4) to close the wrench head over a fastener to be moved. Preferably, the wrench head (4) is pivotable on an axis pin (10) at one end of the socket ring while at the other end of the socket ring is a fulcrum pin (17) for closing the socket over the fastener.

Abstract: An apparatus for opening containers with screw-off lids, consisting essentially of a device to clamp the lid by self-clamping by rotation including the rotation device causing the self-wedging by a belt drive tightened around the container below the lid, preferably at the level of the necking under the screw threads.

Abstract: A wrenching tool with an anchored flexible strap that is placed around the rotating part of a screw type connector, the strap then being slide fitted and adjusted in one of two angular slots on the tool for the purpose of tightening or loosening the connector. With proper fitting and adjustment of the strap, a rotation of the tool, which is generally parallelingly in line but offset from the axis of the connector, causes a bight by the strap being restricted on the connector that will, depending on the slot used, tighten or loosen the connector.

Abstract: A ratchet wrench is provided having a flexible ring forming the head where the flexible ring may have serrations on its inner surface and forms a free end having a pawl thereon. The flexible ring is formed as one piece with the handle of the wrench. Upon tightening, the flexible ring will tighten down on a fastener and upon a non-tightening rotation, the pawl will ratchet against the corners of the fastener according to the self energizing geometry of the wrench where an arc is provided on a shoe of the handle which is eccentric to the arc of the flexible ring. In an embodiment, a gear insert is provided within the flexible ring for engagement with the fastener, torquing and ratcheting of the flexible ring being relative to the gear insert. In an embodiment, the a insert may be provided that has a substantially smooth outer surface including circumferential engagement features for engaging a substantially smooth facing surface of the flexible ring.

Abstract: A wrench has a head portion (10) adapted to engage and apply torque to a workpiece, including a ring member (14) which surrounds the workpiece and has a fixed end (16) and a free end (18) such that, when the ring engages a workpiece and a torque is applied in a predetermined direction (48), the ring closes around the workpiece, increasing the grip between the wrench and the workpiece even if the workpiece is substantially worn, damaged or undersized.

Abstract: The present invention provides a jar opener which is designed for easy handling by people with arthritis. The jar opener providing a larger than normal handle with one end being flat and non functional while the opposite end is indented in a concave dish design, with a gripping teeth thereon, so as to accommodate and mate with the ribbed edge of any cap on ajar. A gripping strap loosely wraps around the cap of ajar while the opposite end of the strap aligns and tightens onto the opposite side of the handle by a releasable securing means, such as VELCRO. The user then grasps the handle of the present invention in one hand and uses their opposite hand to stabilize the jar. The user simple applies grasping pressure on the handle of the present invention and pushes in a counter clockwise direction thereby loosening the cap while rotating the cap of the jar to the open position. The strap is sufficiently long enough to be wrapped around any size circumference of a cap.

Abstract: A tightening device includes an energizing member for energizing a tightening member to be secured to a tightening object. The energizing member integrally has at its one end an engaging part to be engaged with the tightening member. A switching member is connected to the tightening member for switching over to the constraining or operating state of the energizing force imparted to the tightening member by the energizing member. The switching member initially tightly holds the engaging part of the energizing member and the other end portion thereof to constrain the energizing force and is then separated from the engaging part and the other end portion of the energizing member to activate the energizing force.

Abstract: This invention concerns a screw for the anti-fraud locking of a throttle or clamp lever on the control rod of a valve shutter or stopcock, comprising a threaded shank having a polygonal head surmounted by a truncated-cone shaped dome, semi-spherical or of other shape, the base of which extends over the edge of the perimeter surface of said polygonal head, where said dome is free to turn around the shank above said polygonal head, so that only by means of a special tool can the threaded screw shank be tightened or loosened by means of the nut, while by operating on the dome with any tool or utensil, no effect is achieved as this is able to turn idly around the threaded shank.

Abstract: A manual tong is disclosed which includes a composite belt, a handle assembly, and a jaw assembly, where the composite belt is designed to take the place of the conventional linked chains used currently in manual tongs. The composite belt is held in place by a set of pins associated with the handle and jaw assemblies. Replacement of the linked chains with the composite belts improve tong safety, improve ease of use, lower cost, make adjustment easier and make belt replacement easier reducing down time and increasing tong utility so that one tong can be used for different pipe diameters by simply adjusting a length of the belt or a simple replacement of the belt with a different size belt.

Abstract: An opener to assist in the opening of a threaded lid from a threaded jar. The opener is a body at least partially to embrace the peripheral wall of a lid. Preferably it allows for an expansion to facilitate application, and a shoulder to be abutted by a thumb or finger to add torque to the removal efforts.

Abstract: A strap wrench comprising a handle with a central channel and detachable strap anchored at one end of the handle. The strap is held in place in a channel by means of a rocker arm which is biased to press the strap against a portion the strap positioned in the channel. The strap is initially positioned in the channel by the user pressing one side of the rocker arm to open the channel. Once the strap is initially seated, the rocker arm may be released and the loop may be further tightened by pulling the strap through the channel. Free movement of the strap may be enhanced by applying pressure to the rocker arm.

Abstract: A device 20 for protecting a user's fingers when operating a flexible extension shaft 10 includes a first end portion 22 secured to a rigid member 9 of the shaft 10 via clamp means 26, a second end portion 24 that engages a movable member 8 of the shaft 10, a mid-portion member 30 integrally joined to the first and second end portions 22 and 24 whereby relative movement between the rigid member 9 and the movable member 8 is unobstructed by the mid-portion member 30 irrespective of the relative positions of the rigid member 9 and the movable member 8, the mid-portion member 30 being configured to prevent a user's fingers from being “pinched” between the rigid member 9 and the movable member 8 irrespective of the position of the user's hand upon the flexible extension shaft 10.

Abstract: A filter grip includes a sheet with a first surface and a second surface, both surfaces having a grit texture. The sheet defines a radius of curvature. The filter grip is configured to provide a non-slip engagement between a user's hand or tool and an oil filter.

Abstract: A strap wrench for turning generally cylindrical objects where the strap wrench includes a manually rotatable thumb wheel which is mounted within a handle. Rotation of the thumb wheel produces lineal movement of a strap that attaches to the handle. The strap wrench is firmly mounted about a generally cylindrical object and applying a twisting force to the strap wrench is to result in turning movement of the generally cylindrical object.

Abstract: A device for loosening threaded lids from correspondingly threaded containers, comprising a body carrying first and second flexible belts (20, 26) forming first and second loops which engage around the lid and the container respectively, the belts (20, 26) being arranged to be relatively displaceable such that the first and second loops grip the lid and the container respectively, the belts further being arranged to be displaceable by an actuating means such that the first and second loops apply oppositely directed torques to the lid and container respectively whereby the lid is rotated on the container in a loosening direction. Both the lid and the container are thus gripped by the device rather than by hand. The loosening of the lid may be achieved by the rotation of only one of the loops relative to the body, the other loop serving to prevent rotation of the lid or the container relative to the body. Alternatively, both of the loops may rotate relative to the body in opposite directions.

Abstract: The invention concerns a dynamometric key designed in particular for fixing an insert (22) on a handpiece (23). Said dynamometric key is characterized in that it consists of a grip element (3), and a securing element (5), said two elements being linked in frictional rotation via a spring (1) whereof the end coils have been assembled, so as to provide it with a globally toroidal shape.

Abstract: A manual tong is disclosed which includes a composite belt, a handle assembly, and a jaw assembly, where the composite belt is designed to take the place of the convention linked chains used currently in manual tongs. The composite belt is held in place by a set of pins associated with the handle and jaw assemblies. Replacement of the linked chains with the composite belts improve tong safety, improve ease of use, lower cost, make adjustment easier and make belt replacement easier reducing down time and increasing tong utility so that one tong can be used for different pipe diameters by simply adjusting a length of the belt or a simple replacement of the belt with a different size belt.

Abstract: A manual tong is disclosed which includes a continuous composite continuous belt, a handle assembly, and a jaw assembly, where the continuous composite continuous belt is designed to take the place of the convention linked chains used currently in manual tongs. The continuous composite continuous belt is held in place by a set of pins associated with the handle and jaw assemblies. Replacement of the linked chains with the continuous composite continuous belts improve tong safety, improve ease of use, lower cost, make adjustment easier and make continuous belt replacement easier reducing down time and increasing tong utility (one tong can be used for different pipe diameters with a simply adjustment of the continuous belt or a simple replacement of the continuous belt with a different size continuous belt.

Abstract: A universal setting tool comprises a collet housing for mounting within a chuck mechanism of a rotary drive tool. An axially oriented bore extends into the interior of the collet housing, and a radially expansible and contractible coil spring is disposed within the bore. After the free end portion of an anchor member has been inserted into the spring member, the rotary drive tool, and therefore the collet housing member, is rotated in the clockwise direction so as to effectively cause radial contraction of the spring member such that the spring member tightly engages the anchor member. Rotation of the rotary drive tool in the opposite direction releases the grip of the spring member upon the anchor member. The spring member can engage different anchors having different diametrical extents.

Abstract: A strap wrench comprising a handle with a central channel and detachable strap anchored at one end of the handle. The strap is held in place in a channel by means of a rocker arm which is biased to press the strap against a portion the strap positioned in the channel. The strap is initially positioned in the channel by the user pressing one side of the rocker arm to open the channel. Once the strap is initially seated, the rocker arm may be released and the loop may be further tightened by pulling the strap through the channel. Free movement of the strap may be enhanced by applying pressure to the rocker arm.

Abstract: A tool (1) comprising a head (4) having at least two engaging surfaces (10) for driving the screwing member by its at least partially matching shape and a device (5) for driving the head rotation. The head globally behaves as a single-piece part when the screwing member is driven in rotation. The head includes a zone (7) linking the engaging surfaces and parts (9) transmitting to the engaging surfaces a rotation force applied on the driving device. The linking zone is located between the force-transmitting parts and the engaging parts. The head is designed such that the action of the rotational driving device on the force-transmitting parts tends to deform the shape of the head so as to bring the engaging surfaces closer to each other when a rotational driving force is applied via the driving device on the screwing member. The present invention is, for example, applicable to flat open-end wrenches.

Abstract: This is a device for screwing in and out light bulbs located at elevated positions from floor level comprising a pole or telescoping tubes which interconnect, having at one end a suction attachment or clamping attachment to affix to the electrical lamp and thereby screw it in or out, with a canopy set on the pole or telescoping tube which can catch the light bulb in the event the suction or clamping attachment releases the light bulb.

Abstract: An oil filter wrench comprising a gripping strap having an inner and outer surface, a handle for tightening the gripping strap. Gripping fingers extending inwardly from the gripping strap, each gripping finger being round and symmetrical and having a smooth convex gripping inner surface and a smooth concave outer surface. The fingers are provided on the strap in spaced relationship to each other in clusters of nine at spaced intervals around the strap, arranged in parallel rows of three each.

Abstract: A filter grip includes a sheet with a first surface and a second surface, both surfaces having a grit texture. The sheet defines a radius of curvature. The filter grip is configured to provide a non-slip engagement between a user's hand or tool and an oil filter.

Abstract: The instant invention includes a pair of strap devices which are utilized in combination to enable a person (especially the elderly and/or physically challenged) to open jars or similar containers with ease and simplicity. One of the strap devices is employed as a jar or container holder. The other device is used as a strap-type wrench. The holder is designed to be permanently mounted on a vertical surface. The wrench device can be utilized to remove vacuumed sealed, screw-on, crimped or pull-tab lids with relative ease.

Abstract: A new and improved type of oil filter wrench consisting of a handle and a sharp toothed coil with a self adjusting band. The coil with the attached self-adjusting band has vertical and horizontal insert slots where the handle portion is inserted. The wrench after preferred assemble is secured onto the filter with effortless twist. The toothed coil then grasps the filter and the self adjusting band secures itself to the size of the oil filter making the installation or removal very easy and quick.

Abstract: A strap wrench includes a handle extended from a head, a channel formed through the head and the handle for slidably receiving a strap. The strap has one end secured to the head, and has a middle loop for receiving an object to be driven. A pawl has a middle portion pivotally secured to the head with a pivot shaft, and includes one or more teeth disposed on one end for engaging with the strap and a lever extended from the other end. The teeth of the pawl may be forced to engage with the strap when the lever is forced toward the head by the loop and the object.

Abstract: A grasping tool for removing and reinstalling a valve from within a valve guide in an internal combustion engine. The grasping tool includes a securing loop of cable extending from a grasping head. The length of the securing loop can be adjusted such that the valve is entrapped between the securing loop and the grasping head. Specifically, the length of cable that forms the securing loop is fixed at one end relative to the grasping head and includes a locking member attached to a second end to fix the length of the cable between the first end and the locking member. The grasping tool includes a handle movably mounted to an elongated shaft through which the cable passes. The handle is rotatable relative to the elongated shaft to adjust the length of the cable that forms the securing loop.

Abstract: A strap wrench comprising a handle with a central channel and detachable strap anchored at one end of the handle. The strap is held in place in a channel by means of a rocker arm which is biased to press the strap against a portion the strap positioned in the channel. The strap is initially positioned in the channel by the user pressing one side of the rocker arm to open the channel. Once the strap is initially seated, the rocker arm may be released and the loop may be further tightened by pulling the strap through the channel. Free movement of the strap may be enhanced by applying pressure to the rocker arm.

Abstract: A new and improved type of oil filter wrench consisting of a handle and a sharp toothed coil with a self adjusting band. The coil with the attached self-adjusting band has vertical and horizontal insert slots where the handle portion is inserted. The wrench after preferred assemble is secured onto the filter with effortless twist. The toothed coil then grasps the filter and the self adjusting band secures itself to the size of the oil filter making the installation or removal very easy and quick.

Abstract: A universal wrench is described for tightening or loosening polygonal assembly elements, such as nuts, bolt heads or polygonal tube sleeves. This universal wrench includes a wrench body provided with a handle (1) and a wrench head (2) intended to come into contact with a polygonal assembly element (5) to be tightened or loosened, said wrench head including a support body (20) able to accommodate said polygonal assembly element. The wrench further includes a flexible strap-shaped element (3) intended to surround and hold the polygonal assembly element against the support body and tension means for the strap. The wrench head is also rotatably mounted with respect to the handle so as to allow an increase in the tension of the strap when a rotational movement is applied to the assembly element and to allow the strap to relax during an opposite movement.

Abstract: First and second handles of a tool are spring biased to pivot into a closed position in which mounting end portions of the handles abut each other. A band has a first end attached to the mounting end portion of the first handle and extends therefrom to form a loop. The opposite end of the band is slidably received through passages through the mounting end portions of the handles. A series of openings through the band correspond to various predetermined use diameters. A pin extending into the passage in the second handle engages one of the openings corresponding to a selected use diameter. The gripping end portions of the handles opposite the mounting end portions are squeezed together to increase the effective diameter of the band loop and allow the loop to be placed around parts to be aligned.

Abstract: A device for manually rotating a shaft in a substantially continuous manner, the device having a coiled spring-like body having at least one and a half coils, a pair arms extending laterally from the ends of the body, each arm integral with one of the coils, and an extension handle coupled to the end of each arm. The extension handles can be telescopically adjustable if desired. Further, the wrench can be permanently mounted on the outer surface of a shaft to enable convenient rotation of the shaft without additional tools. Additionally, the shaft and wrench assembly can form a component of an electrical pressure switch or like apparatus.

Abstract: A method of connecting the free end of an elastomeric cord to the hook of a connector, that is attached to a loop on the other end of the cord, to form an endless drive belt to connect a pair of rotary drive members, which utilizes a novel tool. The tool has a retainer segment and a contact segment comprising a pair of curved contact arms flanking a finger and forming an opening, and a handle. The tool contact segments are placed on one of the rollers with the finger in the roller drive groove and the handle resting on an adjacent roller. The connector and attached cord end loop are placed in a retainer pocket on the finger. The cord free end is then grasped and pulled around both rollers, which clamps the tool to the roller, and onto the hook to form the endless belt. The handle is grasped to raise the tool, pivot it around the roller to unclamp the tool, and slide the tool to disengage it from the drive belt.

Abstract: A grip-tightener wrench system has a plurality of fastener-head contacts (18, 19, 20) on an inside periphery of a wrench enclosure (1, 21) with spring opening of a closure gap (4) between opened and closed positions. The wrench enclosure has an outside periphery with closure appendages (16, 22, 24). The wrench enclosure rotates in a wrench housing (5) having housing appendages (17, 23, 25) against which the closure appendages are forced for closing the closure gap by rotation of the wrench housing in either direction of wrench rotation to rotate a fastener head or other object positioned in the wrench enclosure. The wrench housing can be affixed to or optionally attachable to a wrench handle (8, 10, 11), a wrench insert (9) or a wrench socket (12). The fastener-head contacts can be a plurality of walls (18) or a plurality of wall corners (20).

Abstract: A fastener driving system and a fastener holding tool therefor having a shank and a resilient retainer with a bore therethrough coupled to a first end portion of the shank. A first end of the resilient retainer and a portion of the resilient retainer bore protrudes axially beyond the first end of the shank. In some embodiments, an annular chamfer is disposed on the resilient retainer between a first end and the bore thereof. The system includes a fastener having a shaft with a head formed on a trailing end portion thereof. The fastener head diameter is greater than the retainer bore diameter of the resilient retainer protruding axially beyond the first end of the shank to engage and retain the fastener.

Abstract: A device for enabling substantially uniform and tight crimping of an intravascular stent onto a balloon catheter assembly. The stent crimping device includes at least one compressible and resiliently expandable loop portion, that is expandable radially outwardly to enable supporting of the stent and catheter assembly thereon, and compressible radially inwardly to substantially uniformly and tightly crimp the stent onto the balloon catheter assembly.

Abstract: A one-way drive strap wrench having two strand parts (11A, 11B) and a shoe (15) for bearing against an oil filter (2). The shoe is pivotally mounted about a laterally offset axis (16). The wrench is particularly adapted for the fitting and removal of motor vehicle oil filters.

Abstract: A slip nut wrench comprises a C-shaped body portion having circumferentially spaced apart opposite ends from which handles extend laterally outwardly of the body portion to facilitate manual expansion and contraction thereof relative to a slip nut to be rotated thereby. The inner surface of the body portion includes a slip nut engaging arrangement for engaging slip nuts having a noded outer periphery.

Abstract: A flexible deburring tool for removing burrs from a metal component made of unitary construction having a handle and a tool head with a flexible shaft extending between them that allows the tool head to be positioned in hard to reach or tight fitting situations. The tool head is provided with a recess to receive a tool bit such as a deburring bit. The shaft is narrower than the handle and allows a range of flexation greater than 90 degrees.

Abstract: A driving device for driving a tubular member includes a belt slidably received in handle and has one end secured to the handle to form a loop for engaging onto the tubular member. A cam is pivotally and eccentrically secured to the handle and has one or more teeth biased to engage with the clamping belt and to secure the clamping belt to the handle. The handle further includes a pawl having one or more teeth for engaging with the clamping belt and for allowing the tubular member to be solidly driven or rotated by the driving device.

Abstract: A strap wrench includes a molded plastic handle with teeth molded into the handle to engage the outside surface of a flexible strap which includes an elastomeric layer of material.

Abstract: Adjustable size saddle type single loop belt wrenches are disclosed which do not bite sharply at a corner or the like into the side of an object comprising a flexible, non-metallic belt, both ends of which are free, but one end being equipped with a clasp-engaging stop. At least two ends of the belt pass in substantially parallel relation through the clasp which is also eyesight, in conjunction with a turning tool, to bias the belt circularly around an object to be turned. The rotation of the clasp with the tool is along an axis generally parallel to but offset from the axis of the object. Only a small angle of rotation is required whereby the stop engages the clasp and a flat or continuous surface of the clasp imposes a distributed load across the belt onto the object to be turned.